A month later, family of slain St. Lucie deputy still mourning

"It's reality. My brother is gone," said Morales. "It was like a nightmare, a bad dream. But now it's a month, and we're realizing it's not a dream."

St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office deputy Sgt. Gary Morales was shot and killed as he worked a traffic stop exactly one month ago.

"Trying to keep a smile on our face," said Brian Morales, of the struggle. "Sometimes, there are certain days when it's hard to pretend that everything is fine."

Anyone that drives by the quiet neighborhood of Naylor Terrace can see a memorial, with flowers and candles, marking the spot where Sgt. Morales was gunned down.

A grand jury has indicted Eriese Tisdale on a first-degree murder charge in Gary Morales' death. Tisdale is scheduled to have a bond hearing Friday morning.

Brian Morales was shocked to hear Tisdale pleaded not guilty.

"He did a cowardly act," said Brian Morales, with tears in his eyes. "I would assume that he would man up."

State Attorney Bruce Colton is seeking the death penalty against Tisdale. He thinks there is more than sufficient evidence to prove first-degree murder.

"We have a premeditated murder," said Colton. "That is one where a person forms the intent to commit the crime, and has some period of time, however brief, to reflect upon it and make the decision to go forward and commit the crime."

Although Brian Morales appreciates the tremendous outpouring of support, nothing will ever bring back his younger brother, and he blames the man who investigators say pulled the trigger.

"It tears us apart," Brian Morales said. "We figured this time maybe he would do the right thing, but I can't understand it. I can't get into the mind of someone like that. And I guess this is why we have a justice system."